Comprehensive Guide to Scholarships for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

Deaf students encounter numerous obstacles in their pursuit of higher education. Hearing impairment can complicate navigating an educational system primarily designed for the hearing population. However, all students share a common need for scholarships and financial aid to help cover college expenses. Whether attending a public institution or a specialized school for the deaf, students with hearing impairments can access various valuable scholarships tailored to their needs.

Scholarships for deaf and hard of hearing students are supported by colleges and universities, charitable foundations, private endowments, and professional associations. The diverse range of scholarship programs reflects an equally broad spectrum of eligibility requirements. Each program has specific criteria that applicants must meet to be considered for an award. Some scholarships target students who have been deaf since birth, while others support those with severe hearing loss due to illness or accidents. Many programs require applicants to be completely deaf, while others accommodate students with partial hearing loss. Scholarship programs are available for students with all levels of hearing loss and are supported by national organizations, advocacy groups, and colleges and universities nationwide.

National Scholarship Programs

Several national organizations offer scholarships specifically for deaf and hard of hearing students. These programs provide significant financial assistance and can be a crucial resource for students pursuing higher education.

Sertoma Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf

The Sertoma Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf is a leading scholarship program for students with hearing impairments. Since its inception in 1994, Sertoma has been dedicated to supporting students pursuing higher education. The program provides financial assistance to college-bound students with clinically significant bilateral hearing loss. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or undergraduates pursuing a four-year degree at an accredited college or university.

Sertoma scholarships are worth $2,500 for full-time study or $1,250 for half-time study. These scholarships are awarded in the spring to help offset the cost of tuition, books, and fees for the following academic year. Applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral coursework. Sertoma raises funds annually to support scholarships and other hearing health programs. Sertoma provides more funds nationally for graduate students studying communicative disorders than any other single organization.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

AG Bell College Scholarship Program

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) supports various educational programs for the hearing impaired, from preschool funding to post-secondary education scholarships. The AG Bell College Scholarship is one of the largest scholarship programs targeting deaf and hard of hearing students. More than $100,000 in scholarship awards are given annually, with individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

Applicants must meet stringent eligibility requirements, including an unweighted GPA of 3.25, current enrollment in an accredited mainstream college or university, and a demonstrably profound hearing loss diagnosed before the student’s fourth birthday.

Scholarships from Cochlear

Cochlear, the manufacturer of the Nucleus Cochlear Implant, sponsors several scholarships for students with cochlear implants or Baha systems.

The Cochlear Graeme Clark Scholarship: This unique award is open to Cochlear Nucleus Implant recipients who are citizens of the United States or Canada and attend a mainstream, accredited college or university full-time.
The Cochlear Anders Tjellström Scholarship: This unique award is open to Baha recipients.

Google Lime Scholarship

Google is committed to supporting future innovators by offering scholarships and networking retreats for computer science students with disabilities. The Google Lime Scholarship provides financial assistance to students with disabilities pursuing a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field. Students pursuing a Computer Science or Computer Engineering degree are encouraged to apply.

The Minnie Pearl Scholarship

The Minnie Pearl Scholarship is a four-year undergraduate scholarship available to deaf and hearing-impaired students. Applicants must be high school seniors with a cumulative 3.0 GPA and plan to enroll in an accredited college or university within the United States.

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

The George H. Noecker Scholarship

This scholarship is open nationally to high school seniors who have a hearing loss and utilize hearing aids. The purpose of this scholarship is to help students with hearing challenges reach their full potential by giving them the gift of sound. This will further allow the students to build confidence and self-esteem as they prepare to begin their college or vocational school education.

The Scholarship for students with Hearing Loss

This scholarship is open to those who are deaf or hard of hearing or whose primary caregivers are deaf or hard of hearing to pursue post-secondary education. This scholarship is open to those with significant bilateral hearing loss of at least a 50 dB unaided hearing loss. Applicants with and without cochlear implants are encouraged to apply. Recipients must be undergraduates attending an accredited non-profit college physically located in the United States.

Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities

Wells Fargo has developed this scholarship program to help people with disabilities obtain the education or training necessary to succeed in the career path of their choice. Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $2,500 for full-time study or $1,250 for half-time study.

Science Student Grant Fund

This Science Student Grant Fund is available to fourth year undergraduate (who have been accepted to graduate or professional school) and graduate students who have a disability. The students must be United States citizens.

Scholarships Offered by Colleges and Universities

Several colleges and universities, particularly those with strong programs for deaf and hard of hearing students, offer their own scholarships and financial aid programs.

Read also: Scholarship Guide

Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University is a leading institution dedicated to serving the deaf and hearing-impaired community. Gallaudet participates in federal government grant and student loan programs and offers its scholarships to attending students. The President’s Honors Distinction Scholarship is one of Gallaudet’s premier programs, providing full tuition, room, and board to eligible students accepted into the college’s Honors Program.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) / National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)

The Rochester Institute of Technology hosts the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). NTID administers a wide range of scholarships for its students, including:

The Barlow Endowed Scholarship
The Alice Beardsley Memorial Scholarship for Interpreting Students
The Lillian M. Cowin Memorial Scholarship

Colleges and Universities Using American Sign Language (ASL)

Some colleges and universities use American Sign Language (ASL) with written English as the native language for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people. These schools often sponsor their financial aid programs and administer common Federal and state-funded college grants and student loans.

Writing and Arts Competitions

Besides scholarships, deaf and hard of hearing students can also participate in writing and arts competitions, which offer opportunities to showcase their talents and win awards.

National Literary Competition

The National Literary Competition is a writing and American Sign Language (ASL) competition open to all deaf and hard of hearing students in grades 2-12. To participate, students must create original written or ASL submissions in accordance with the year’s theme.

Digital Arts, Film, and Animation Competition

The Digital Arts, Film, and Animation Competition is for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing in grades 9-12.

SpiRIT Writing Competition

The SpiRIT Writing competition is for students who are deaf and hard-of-hearing in grades 10-11 as of spring 2024.

Tips for Finding and Applying for Scholarships

Finding and applying for scholarships can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, students can increase their chances of success. Here are some tips:

Research Thoroughly: Explore various scholarship databases, websites, and resources to identify scholarships that match your qualifications and interests.
Meet Eligibility Requirements: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship and ensure you meet all the requirements before applying.
Craft a Compelling Essay: Many scholarships require an essay as part of the application process. Take the time to write a well-written, thoughtful essay that showcases your personality, experiences, and goals. Students submit an essay, with no more than 1000 words, following a specific prompt question. Typically there is an essay contest each fall and spring.
Gather Strong Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or mentors who know you well and can speak to your academic abilities, character, and potential.
Proofread Carefully: Before submitting your application, proofread all materials carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
Meet Deadlines: Pay close attention to application deadlines and submit all required materials on time.

Additional Resources

The Learning Center for the Deaf: This organization has compiled a list of scholarships for those with hearing loss.
Sertoma Annual Fund: Consider donating to support Sertoma's scholarships and hearing health programs.

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